'Khali Stage' marks World Theatre Day

Live performance connects audience and actors; reflects society's contrasts and aspirations

ISLAMABAD:

Marking World Theatre Day, a stage production titled "Khali Stage" (Empty Stage) will be presented today at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in collaboration with Dolphin Communication.

World Theatre Day was established in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute with the aim of fostering intellectual and creative connections among artists, writers and audiences worldwide, while promoting humanity, peace and dialogue through theatre. Each year, a special international message is also issued to highlight the power of the arts and their social responsibility.

Renowned producer Asma Butt said theatre is not merely a form of entertainment but a living mirror reflecting the colours of society—its contradictions, aspirations and realities. From the theatres of ancient Greece to the folk traditions of South Asia and modern stage productions, she noted, theatre has consistently engaged with the human psyche.

She added that theatre's greatest strength lies in its immediacy, where a live connection is forged between performer and audience—one capable of transforming emotion into awareness and awareness into change.

Pakistan has a rich and vibrant theatrical tradition, with PNCA playing a pivotal role in its promotion. Today's performance forms part of that continuum, presenting a meaningful and thought-provoking narrative to audiences.

The play is written by Dr Waqar Azeem and features a cast including Masooma Shah, Lareb Rathore, Noor Jahan, Samran, Shazia Adeeb, Kaleem Khan, Imran Rashdi, Waqas and Noor Shararti. The production is not only a creative expression but also a message—urging reflection on society, behaviour and collective responsibility, which remains the very essence of theatre.